Medieval TortureKenna Ackman

Flogging

People who didn’t work hard enough or accused of cheating and drunkenness were put in the stocks or pillory. The stocks held held peoples ankles whereas the pillory held their heads and wrists.

Witchcraft

Strangulation whereas in case of serious offenses witches were also burned at stake.

Ordeal by Combat

Noblemen would fight in combat with their accuser. The winner of the battle would be considered to be in the right.

Ordeal by Water

The accused had their hands and feet tied together. They were then thrown into water. If they floated they were guilty but if they sank they were innocent.

The Manorial Court

The manorial court dealt with all but the most serious crimes. It was held at various intervals during the year, and all villagers had to attend or pay a fine. All men were placed in groups of ten called a tithing. Each tithing had to make sure that no member of their group broke the law. If a member of a tithing broke a law then the other members had to make sure that he went to court.

Ordeal by Fire

They had to pick up a red hot iron bar and hold it while they walked three or four paces. Their hand was then bandaged. If the wound was beginning to heal after 3 days they were innocent but if the wound showed no sign of healing then they were said guilty.